Neymar targets Ballon d'Or after equalling Champions League assists record

Barcelona winger Neymar has equalled the UEFA Champions League assists record. The 24-year-old Brazilian ace has now registered seven assists in five Champions League fixtures to his name in the ongoing campaign. Neymar is only the fourth footballer since Champions League’s inception back in 1992 to have provided seven assists in an entire European season. Xavi was the first player to tally that record back in 2008-09 with Barcelona, followed by Mesut Ozil in 2010-2011 with Real Madrid, and then by Zlatan Ibrahimovic in 2012-2013 with Paris Saint-Germain.

Neymar achieved the record of seven assists in just five games, which is simply remarkable, considering the group stage of the tournament still has one more match left before the European extravaganza ventures into the knockout stage. Yesterday in the Champions League Group C encounter against Scottish outfit Celtic, Neymar’s inch-perfect pass to teammate Lionel Messi in the 24th minute not only saw Barca taking the lead with a decisive goal but it also meant that the Samba star marked his name in the history of the competition.

Neymar has now recorded 7 assists in just 5 Champions League games this season.

In matchday 1 against Celtic, Neymar provided four assists to get going. In matchday 2 against Borussia Moenchengladbach, he helped his teammates with an assist. In matchday 4 against Manchester City, he again registered another assist, taking his tally to six. In matchday 5 against Celtic, he equalled the Champions League record of seven assists. Additionally, he has also aided Barca by scoring two goals in Europe this campaign.

7 – Neymar has equalled the record for the most assists in a single Champions League season (since 2003-04). Giving.

Neymar is one of those few footballers who has successfully managed to fulfill his vast potential. He was a Samba prodigy growing up, but he maintained his stance and proved his credentials by showing the world his undeniable talent and skills at Santos. Thus earning a ticket to play for a Europe elite – Catalan giants Barcelona, alongside Argentina football legend Lionel Messi. In addition to that, he captained Brazil to an Olympic gold medal at Rio 2016 Olympics. Till date in his international career, he has notched 50 goals for Selecao in 75 matches. This recent record is just another reason as to why he should continue to target the prestigious Ballon d’Or.